Language – Exegesis

Oxford Languages says exegesis is a noun meaning:

critical explanation or interpretation of a text, particularly of scripture: “the task of biblical exegesis”.

The Macquarie Dictionary defines exegesis as

critical explanation or interpretation, especially of Scripture. [new Latin, from Greek: “explanation”].

In Fortescue Metals Group Limited v The Commonwealth (2013) 250 CLR 548; [2013] HCA 34 (7 August 2013), French CJ (at [16]) said:

In the forefront of consideration in this case is the interpretation and application of ss 51(ii) and 99 of the Constitution. Their interpretation depends upon their text. It is informed by their drafting history and the decisions of this Court interpreting and applying them. Those decisions do not yield single, simply expressed and exhaustive explanations and definitions of the limitations on legislative power imposed by those provisions. The Court responds to the cases it is called upon, by the accidents of history, to decide. Judicial interpretation in particular cases must be seen in the context of the Court’s function. As Windeyer J said in the Payroll Tax Case [Victoria v The Commonwealth [1971] HCA 16; (1971) 122 CLR 353 at 403; [1971] HCA 16.]:

“Exegesis must not be substituted for the text.”

In Thompson v Macmillan [2023] QCA 183 (8 September 2023), Bond JA (at [35]) said:

The primary judge’s reasons expressed a sufficient exegesis of the resolution of the determinative issues in the case before him. The reasons dealt with all matters of relative significance. Grounds 1 and 3 fail.

In Ashton & Anor v Dorante & Anor [2012] QCA 175 (26 June 2012), White JA (at [56]) said:

This is not the occasion for an exegesis on the separation of powers but it is plain that Henry J, in common with all Queensland judges, having taken the oath of office to judge matters impartially, is not in a position of conflict with these respondents.